How to fix
“DirectX 12 is not supported on your system” error
on Windows

I have recently got a game on Steam and I can't play it because when I click Launch I get an error instead. It says: "DirectX 12 is not supported on your system. Try running without the -dx12 or -d3d12 command line argument." What does this mean? I tried launching the game again but it still returns this error every time.

When attempting to launch a game, particularly on platforms like Steam, you may encounter the error stating "DirectX 12 is not supported on your system. Try running without the -dx12 or -d3d12 command line argument," resulting in you not being able to launch it.

This error typically indicates a compatibility issue between DirectX 12 and your computer's hardware or operating system, restricting access to the game you're eager to play. While this usually affects one particular game, the problem might be more widespread, suggesting a broader issue with DirectX 12 support on your system.

Reasons behind the "DirectX 12 is not supported on your system" error

The problem usually lies within your graphics card or hardware lacking support for DirectX 12 - an important component for rendering sound and visuals in many modern games. If your hardware fails to meet specific requirements, it cannot leverage the advanced features offered by DirectX 12.

Further complicating things is the possibility that DirectX 12 is not supported by earlier versions of Windows. This issue typically arises from a mismatch between the DirectX version required by the game and the version your system can support. In addition, regular software bugs could also be at fault here.

What can be done

Although detailed instructions on resolving this issue will be provided below, it's beneficial to understand the potential fixes. Upgrading your hardware to a model that supports DirectX 12 can resolve this error if the issue lies with outdated components.

Alternatively, updating or reinstalling your graphics drivers might help, as these updates often include support for newer DirectX versions. Checking for updates to your operating system can also ensure that you have the latest version that supports DirectX 12, thereby minimizing compatibility issues.

To make the troubleshooting process quicker, try using the [d1] repair and maintenance tool, which is especially effective for addressing various Windows-related issues, including system file corruption and DLL errors.

Fix 1. Check your hardware

Not all hardware is compatible with DirectX 12. Some older GPUs or integrated graphics may not support it, preventing the game from running properly. Ensuring that your hardware is compatible is the first step.

• Check your GPU model against the DirectX 12 requirements listed below.
• Ensure your CPU and other components are also compatible with DirectX 12.
• Consider upgrading your hardware if it does not meet the requirements.

DirectX 12 requirements:

• Operating System: Windows 10 (version 1909 or later) or Windows 11.
• GPU: DirectX 12 compatible graphics card (NVIDIA GTX 600 series or AMD HD 7000 series or later).
• CPU: A modern processor supporting DirectX 12 (Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 or later recommended).
• RAM: At least 4GB, but 8GB or more is recommended.

Fix 2. Check if your system supports DX12 using dxdiag.exe

You can quickly check if your system supports DirectX 12 by using the DirectX Diagnostic Tool (dxdiag.exe). This tool provides detailed information about the DirectX version and GPU capabilities.

• Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
• Type dxdiag.exe and press Enter.
• Navigate to the Display tab.
• Check the DirectX Version and Feature Levels listed to see if DirectX 12 is supported.

Fix 3. Update Windows

If your Windows version is outdated, it might not support DirectX 12. DirectX 12 support starts with Windows 10 version 1909.

• Type Updates in Windows search and press Enter.
• Here, click the Check for updates or Install updates button.
• Wait till all the available updates are installed - make sure optional updates are installed as well.
• Once done, restart your system.

Fix 4. Update your GPU drivers

Outdated GPU drivers can cause compatibility issues with DirectX 12. Note that Device Manager can not always be trusted to find the newest video drivers for your GPU. In such case, you can either download them from the official website of your GPU maker or use automatic tools such as [rev id="DriverFix"].

• Right-click on the Windows Start button and select Device Manager.
• Expand the Display adapters section.
• Right-click on your graphics card and select Update driver.
• Choose Search automatically for drivers.
• If a newer driver is found, Windows will download and install it. Once complete, restart your computer.

Fix 5. Launch the game with DirectX11 instead

If your system cannot run DirectX 12, you can try launching the game with DirectX 11, which has broader hardware support.

• Open the game launcher or right-click on the game shortcut.
• Go to the Properties of the game.
• Under launch options, add the command line argument -dx11.
• Start the game and see if it runs without the DirectX 12 error.

Fix 6. Install the latest version of DirectX

• Visit the official Microsoft DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer download page.
• Download the setup file to your computer.
• Once the download is complete, open the setup file.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to install the latest version of DirectX.
• Complete the installation and restart your computer.
• After restarting, launch Steam and try to run the game again.

Fix 7. Change game launch parameters

• Right-click on the game's EXE file (on Steam, right-click > Manage > Browse local files) and select Properties.
• Go to the Compatibility tab.
• Here, there are several parameters you could change - start with the Compatibility mode. Click on the drop-down menu and select Windows 8 or another version.
• Under Settings, mark the Disable fullscreen optimizations and Run this program as administrator options.
• Click Apply and OK.